Hachiko-mae

Travel Information

Loyal Dog Hachiko

Hachiko-mae (ハチ公前) is the most famous meeting spot in Tokyo. Hachiko-mae is the spot in front of bronze statues of Chuken Hachiko(忠犬ハチ公, faithful dog Hachiko) in Shibuya Station. Hachiko, was Akita dog born in the city of Akita, remembered for his loyalty to his owner, even many years after his owner’s death. The bronze statues was dedicated for this loyal dog. Thousands of people use this spot as the meeting point, especially Friday and Saturday night, the bronze statues will be packed with a huge amount of people. It is the most known symbol of Shibuya as well as the pedestrian scramble.

Tourst Info.There is smoking area for all smokers. Public restroom is far from Hachiko-mae.

Detailed Travel Guide

The Faithful Dog, HachikoIn 1924, Hachiko was brought to Tokyo by his owner, Hidesaburo Ueno, a professor in the agriculture department at the University of Tokyo. During his owner's life Hachiko saw him off from the front door and greeted him at the end of the day at the nearby Shibuya Station. The pair continued their daily routine until May 1925, when Professor Ueno didn't return on the usual train one evening. The professor had suffered a stroke at the university that day. He died and never returned to the train station where his friend was waiting.

Hachiko was given away after his master's death, but he routinely escaped, showing up again and again at his old home. After time, Hachikō apparently realized that Professor Ueno no longer lived at the house. So he went to look for his master at the train station where he had accompanied him so many times before. Each day, Hachikō waited for Professor Ueno to return. And each day he didn't see his friend among the commuters at the station.

The permanent fixture at the train station that was Hachiko attracted the attention of other commuters. Many of the people who frequented the Shibuya train station had seen Hachikō and Professor Ueno together each day. Realizing that Hachikō waited in vigil for his dead master, their hearts were touched. They brought Hachikō treats and food to nourish him during his wait.

This continued for 10 years, with Hachiko appearing only in the evening time, precisely when the train was due at the station.
Hachikō died on March 8, 1935. (reference: Wikipedia)

MoyaizoMoyai-zo(モヤイ像) is another famous meeting spot in Shibuya Station located in west exit. It is the stone statue made at Nijima Island. The design of the statue was taken from Great Moai of the Easter Island. Moyai means ”partnership,” ”help,” “cooperate,” in the native language of Nijima Island. It has two faces.